Sharing the Light of Jesus in the Holiday Season

Kevin Harney
Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner. The holiday season is a great time to shine the light of Jesus and connect people to the Good News our Savior came to bring to our world. Here are three simple and impactful ways to shine the light of Jesus in your home, your work place, and your church over the next couple of months.
Shining the Light of Jesus in Your Neighborhood: Cookies and questions
Invite your neighbors to your home for cookies and coffee/hot chocolate. Ask everyone to bring a plate of cookies (homemade or store bought). You provide coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. While you are visiting and enjoying your refreshments, ask people these questions, “What is one joyful holiday memory you carry in your heart?” “What does this season of the year mean to you?” When you share, be sure to talk about what the birth of Jesus means to you and how your faith comes alive this time of the year. If you want one bonus question that might go a little deeper you can ask, “What is one way we can pray for you over the holiday season?”
Shining the Light of Jesus in Your Work Place: Christmas Cards and Invitation
Many people are open to an invitation to church around the Christmas season. Give a Christmas card to people you work with and be sure to add a personal note. Let them know you are thankful for the chance to work with them and give an invitation for them to join you for a Christmas service at your church. No pressure, just a warm invitation. Be sure to let them know you would love to attend with them. If you have a spiritually curious person from work join you for a Christmas service, be sure to ask them what they thought of the service and if they have any questions. Maybe grab a cup of coffee and chat. Pray for their heart to be open to Jesus and for deeper spiritual conversations with this person.
Shining the Light of Jesus with Church Members: Christmas Caroling
Gather a group of 6-10 people who love to sing and plan to go out and Christmas Carol. A local public space where there is a lot of foot traffic is great. Maybe a mall, shopping hub, or some other place people congregate. Have a couple of young people there with a basket of candy canes with a note tied to the candy with a ribbon. On the note, have the Christmas story from one of the Gospels on one side and an invitation to Christmas services on the other side.
Get creative…Try one of these or other ideas this holiday season, pray a lot, and see what God does!